Clubs Off the Beaten Path Now, didn’t you just think that there must be more to the Chicago blues scene than what you see in the Reader or in some of the guidebooks? Well ME TOO! So I started blues traveling in my own city! Here are some Chicagoland spots to check out. Some are not in the safest neighborhoods, so don’t be stupid about it. Be friendly & respectful, don’t have too much to drink, and park on the main street. Some have parking security. These clubs do a great job to create a safe atmosphere inside but be careful coming & going. Oh, and have fun!

Insurance for musicians & others under the Affordable Care Act! In Illinois the website is working: www.GetCoveredIllinois.gov . This website will let you know if you are eligible for assistance based on your income, then will steer you to the assistance site ABE, or to the marketplace.

Cook County: County Care enroll through the above website, or at (312) 864-8200, or in person at Heartland Health Outreach, Stroger Hospital, Provident Hospital and Oak Forest Health Center among others

Health, life, & dental insurance group plans for music industry professionals available through the Blues Foundation. For more info: www.Blues.org or www.SoundHealthcare.org or call 615-256-8667

Kenosha Musicians: want to influence the local music scene? Get your gig listed in the local calendar? Join Musicians Advancing and Assisting Music at www.KenoshaMAAM.com, on Facebook.

Kenosha Musicians: Join Musicians of Kenosha Directory on Facebook

Milwaukee Musicians: want to get heard on WMSE FM 91.7? Drop off your CD or album at 820 N Milwaukee or MSOE Krueger Hall 9am-6pm. OR mail it to WMSE, 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 attn: Music Director. Tune in weekdays 3-6pm for the Blues Drive. www.msoe.org

Maxwell St Market Vendor Association “Like” them on Facebook, help make the market more friendly to musicians

Chicago Blues Tour: a good way to go if you want to go with a group and don’t want to drive. Shuttle van between several venues, cover charges included as well as a couple drinks, poster, & CD. www.ChicagoBluesTour.com

Cheat You Fair, a documentary about old Maxwell Street, now available for purchase at Amazon.